How does the Zenfone 11 Ultra handle heat during intense gaming

Performance and Heat Generation

- High Performance: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is designed for exceptional performance, handling demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games smoothly. It can maintain high frame rates, even under heavy load, making it suitable for modern mobile gaming[1][3][5].

- Heat Production: Despite its capabilities, the device tends to generate significant heat during prolonged gaming. In Performance mode, which maximizes output, users report that the phone can become excessively hot—almost to the point of being uncomfortable to hold[1][4][7]. This mode allows for higher performance but leads to rapid thermal throttling, with potential performance drops of up to 50% under sustained loads[1].

- Dynamic Mode: In contrast, the Dynamic mode offers a more balanced approach. While it still allows for high performance, it manages heat better, keeping the device at a more comfortable temperature during extended use. Users have noted that in this mode, the phone remains manageable and does not exhibit significant slowdowns[1][2].

Thermal Throttling

- Impact of Throttling: The Zenfone 11 Ultra experiences thermal throttling when subjected to maximum loads, which can reduce performance by as much as 82% during extreme testing conditions. However, this level of stress is often beyond typical gaming scenarios[2][4].

- Real-World Usage: In practical gaming situations—such as playing demanding titles like Genshin Impact—the phone performs well without noticeable lag or slowdown for about 20 minutes before it starts to heat up significantly. After this period, while it may get warm, it usually remains within tolerable limits for casual play[5][6].

Conclusion

In summary, while the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is capable of handling intense gaming with impressive performance metrics, it does face challenges with heat management during prolonged sessions, particularly in Performance mode. For users concerned about temperature, utilizing Dynamic mode may provide a more comfortable experience without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.